sepsis syndrome (redirected from Sepsis syndrome, defining parameters)

sepsis syndrome A constellation of signs, Sx, and systemic responses caused by a wide range of microorganisms that may eventuate into septic shock; SS is a systemic response to infection

Sepsis syndrome, defining parameters  

• Temperature Hypothermia < 35ºC–96ºF or hyperthermia > 39ºC–101ºF

• Tachycardia > 90 beats/minute

• Tachypnea > 20 breaths/minute

• Site of infection Clinically evident focus of infection or positive blood cultures

• Organ dysfunction 1+ end organs with either dysfunction or inadequate perfusion or cerebral dysfunction

• Metabolic derangement Hypoxia–PaO₂ < 75 mm Hg, ↑ plasma lactate/unexplained metabolic acidosis

• Fluid imbalance Oliguria–< 30 mL/hr

• WBC counts < 2.0 x 10⁹/L; > 12.0 x 10⁹/L–US: < 2000/mm³; > 12 000/mm³

Note: The confusing semantics of the terms sepsis, sepsis/septic syndrome, and septic shock are unlikely to be resolved in the forseeable future; the terms sepsis and septic syndrome are essentially interchangeable and would in part overlap with septicemia–the early components of a pernicious infectious cascade that has spilled into the circulation; the term septic shock is used when the process becomes virtually irreversible